By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., has unveiled a package of far-reaching reforms that promise to transform electoral participation and access to justice for citizens living abroad. The announcement was made during the U.S. edition of the Civic Day Series, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoICE) on Tuesday September 30, 2025 in New Carrolton, Maryland.
The Civic Day Series, which has become a flagship platform for bridging the gap between Government and citizens, was held in the United States for the first time on Tuesday, September 30. The forum highlighted Sierra Leone’s development progress across key sectors while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to engage with Sierra Leoneans wherever they reside.
Addressing a packed hall of Sierra Leoneans, Attorney General Alpha Sesay announced proposed electoral reforms that will allow diaspora citizens to register and vote at Sierra Leonean embassies and consulates worldwide.
“A lot of you have to travel back home to register, return again for verification and later for voting. Under the new reforms, you can now register here in our embassy and even vote for those you want to represent you back home,” Alpha Sesay declared.
He, however, reminded the audience that the reforms must go through Parliament for approval. “These changes will be laid in Parliament so you have to get your MPs to support,” he cautioned.
The Attorney General also reaffirmed that dual citizens remain eligible to contest for all public offices except the presidency, underscoring Government’s commitment to inclusivity in political participation.
Alpha Sesay also shed light on major reforms within the justice system, particularly the recently enacted Criminal Procedure Act (CPA). He explained that the new law introduces fixed timelines for judges to decide cases, reducing lengthy delays that often undermine public confidence.
The reforms further embrace technology, allowing lawyers to file motions online and enabling witness testimonies to be submitted virtually. According to Alpha Sesay, the innovation is especially beneficial for Sierra Leoneans abroad with pending legal matters back home.
In addition, the Attorney General disclosed progress on the Mediation Bill, which he expects to table before Parliament soon. The Bill seeks to create a framework for trained mediators to handle certain disputes outside of court, easing the burden on the judiciary. “Data we have gathered shows that 70% of people prefer to settle legal issues out of court. This Bill responds directly to that demand,” he noted.
The historic U.S. Civic Day was organized under the leadership of Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, as part of President Julius Maada Bio’s vision to expand civic education and deepen democratic participation. The Ministry has been at the forefront of outreach efforts, including weekly Press Briefings, monthly provincial engagements and now international civic forums.
Attorney General Alpha Sesay concluded by stressing that justice is a public service and that Government reforms are designed to improve access and fairness for all. “Justice is a service that the Government provides for the people of Sierra Leone,” he said.
The event was warmly received by Sierra Leoneans in the U.S., who hailed it as a landmark moment in diaspora engagement and a sign of the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and reform.
